Religion in the Roman Empire How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire? How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire? Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity? Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity? Greco-Roman Religion Vestal Virgins Traditional Religion Initially animistic Then anthropomorphic gods State-run priesthoods Pontifex maximus Vestal Virgins Greco-Roman Religion The Pantheon (AD ), Rome Greco-Roman Religion Mystery Religions Popular! Attractive Communion with deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Examples Cult of Isis Mithraism Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Some emperors deified after death Imperial cult established Foundations during reign of Augusts Cult statue of Augustus (early 1 st cent.) Greco-Roman Religion Questions? Second-Temple Judaism Second-Temple Judaism Persian king allowed Jews to return to Palestine (539 BC) Constructed second Temple ( BC) Second-Temple Judaism Roman Occupation of Palestine Jews had been ruled by priest-kings, after expulsion of Greeks Romans invaded 63 BC ended Jewish independence Judaism a religio licita Second-Temple Judaism The Second Temple (Herods Temple) Second-Temple Judaism First-Century Jewish Religion Diversity Apocalyptic MESSIANIC EXPECTATION Messiah (Anointed one) Some Jews longed for deliverance from Romans Messiahs crushed Second-Temple Judaism Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BC ca. AD 30) Itinerant rabbi Twelve apostles Preached coming Kingdom of God Criticized religious authorities Miracle worker? Presented as Messiah in earliest sources Second-Temple Judaism What Became of Jesus? Religious leaders infuriated, fearful Tried, executed sentenced to death by Pilate Movement lived on Resurrected? Apostles stole body? Second-Temple Judaism The Fate of the Jews Jewish War (66-70) Jerusalem captured, Temple destroyed Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35) Jews lost their state Second-Temple Judaism Questions? Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Under leadership of apostles Based in Jerusalem Preached GOSPEL Early focus: Jews Pentecost Early Christianity Paul of Tarsus ( d. ca. 64) Pharisee Christian Brought Gospel to Gentiles Three missionary journeys Epistles Early Christianity The Sacraments BAPTISM: rite of initiation EUCHARIST: sacred meal of bread and wine Early Christianity Persecution MARTYRS: witnesses Why persecution? Seen as distinct from Judaism Refused to worship emperor Great Persecution (early 4 th cent.) Blandina the Martyr (2 nd cent.) Early Christianity Constantine the Great (r ) Converted to Christianity (ca. 312) Edict of Milan (313): toleration for Christians First Christian emperor Launched Christianization of empire Lavished wealth upon Church Church now privileged Constantine Labarum Early Christianity Basilica of St. Peter (324), Rome Early Christianity Arian Controversy Jesus Christ: creature, or God? COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325 Convened by Constantine Christ of same essence as God the Father Arians revived, almost defeated orthodox cause Arianism condemned (381) Early Christianity Augustine of Hippo ( ) Church father Famous convert Prolific writer Confessions City of God Highly influential theologian Augustine of Hippo Early Christianity Questions? Religion in the Roman Empire How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire? How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire? Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity? Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity?